History of Raleigh Hand Center

The Raleigh Hand Center (RHC) was the first private medical practice dedicated to the treatment of hand and upper extremity problems in eastern North Carolina. Raleigh Hand was founded by orthopaedic surgeon George S. Edwards, Jr., MD in 1988. Several years later, Jon Kolkin, MD joined RHC, followed by James R. Post, MD, Paul O. Schricker, MD, Terry M. Messer, MD, and John M. Erickson, MD. Dr. Kolkin retired in 2010. The five current hand surgeons at RHC are board certified/eligible in orthopaedic surgery and have all been fellowship-trained in hand and upper extremity surgery.

Since its founding, hand therapy has been an integral component of the assessment and treatment of hand problems at RHC. By organizing the hand therapy department in the center of the clinic, patients, surgeons, and therapists use a team approach. With one location and one combined patient chart, patients have prompt access to our surgeons and therapists on the same day as their visit. All therapists are board certified/eligible in hand therapy.

The Raleigh Hand Center plays an active teaching role in the community. Several members are on the clinical faculty at UNC Chapel Hill and are active in directing and participating in the weekly orthopaedic resident Hand Conference at WakeMed. Dozens of papers have been published along with regional, national, and international scientific presentations. Several of the surgeons and hand therapists have traveled to less developed countries to teach and instruct in the classroom, clinic, and operating room. RHC continues to donate much time and equipment to these endeavors.